Annual Easter egg hunt held March 31 at Pennings Farm Market

WARWICK - It was a little cool Saturday but the sun was shining and everyone agreed it was a picture perfect day for Warwick’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. Just after noon crowds of youngsters and their parents gathered at Pennings Farm Market just off Route 94 South. They were anxiously awaiting the start of another annual Easter Egg Hunt co-sponsored by the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department and Pennings Farm Market. That morning, volunteers and Pennings’ employees had placed thousands of candies and chocolate eggs in the fields behind the market and leading up to the apple orchard. About 15 minutes before the start of the event, the children were lined up in three age groups: Age three and under, ages four to six and ages seven and older. Moms and dads were permitted to help their toddlers. After last minute instructions, a round of applause for the Warwick Valley Fire Department, and a 30-second countdown by Steve Pennings, owner of Pennings Market, the children were off and hunting. They were scrambling, not only for the ordinary goodies, but also for special “golden eggs.” Each one of these contained notes entitling the lucky child to a special prize such as an ice cream treat and a chocolate Easter Bunny. Just before the start of the annual egg hunt, volunteer firefighters held a contest for the most creative Easter basket. This year’s winner was Nicholas Czajkowski, 4. During the egg hunt, Ciara Bramble, 11; Mike Babcock, 10 and McKenzie Richner, 2, discovered the golden eggs. Following this year’s popular event, Pennings invited the children and their parents to stay for pony rides. “We’re thankful that the weather was good this year,” said Kim Corkum, a volunteer with the Warwick Fire Department. “The Warwick Fire Department and Pennings has been sponsoring community event for many years. It’s a longtime tradition and it has always been a great way to kick off spring. Everybody loves watching the children.”